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WWF-SA SUPPORTERS’ MAGAZINE

Panda BulletinMAGAZINEDECEMBER

TIME TO ACTThe planet is in poor shape... and getting worse

THE KNERSVLAKTECrown jewels in our botanical treasure trove

BUSINESS INNOVATIONCould you be the next Climate Solver?

Tackling rhino poaching from the source

From the CEO’s deskAs I write this foreword, I’ve been reflecting on the sad news of the passing of Dr Ian Player, a giant of conservation. One of the enduring feelings I’m left with is inspiration: I’m inspired by Dr Player’s unfailing commitment to conservation and his remarkable achievements in working with the likes of Nick Steele, Magqubu Ntombela, John Clark, Owen Letley, Dr Toni Harthoorn and a host of other former Natal Parks Board

staff to help bring the southern white rhino back from the brink of extinction. Such actions give me hope that our efforts to tackle the current rhino poaching crisis will bear fruit, especially in our efforts to target the source of demand for rhino horn in Asia (see page 6).

This issue of the Panda Bulletin also follows on the heels of WWF’s biennial Living Planet Report – a publication that tells a story about the state of our planet. The news is not good. Effectively humans are living as if we have one and a half planets to sustain us – and this trend is worsening.

At WWF, we are not despairing, but we recognise the need for action now. I hope you will continue to be inspired to take individual and collective action that can make a difference. The magazine you’re holding in your hands is a good place to start, whether you’re interested in increasing your awareness of topical environmental issues or directly supporting our causes.

The year is quickly nearing its end, and for some this means focusing on family and festivities. I wish you well during this period and thank you for your support over the last 12 months. I look forward to another year of working side-by-side with our supporters as we continue on our journey to inspire all people to live in harmony with nature.

For a Living Planet,

CONTENTSWWF NEWS 3

WWF CONSERVATION NEWS 4

WWF FEATURE: Tackling rhino poaching from the source of demand 6

WWF FEATURE: The planet is in poor shape, getting worse – we must act now 8

WWF FEATURE: The Knersvlakte: crown jewels in SA’s botanical treasure trove 10

WWF ISSUE: Could you be the next Climate Solver? 12

WWF ISSUE: Beefing up sustainable cattle farming in the Grasslands 13

WWF FEATURE: Exploring careers for biodiversity 14

WWF FEATURE: Acclaimed cycling veteran to pedal for the planet 15

WWF FUNDRAISING 16

WWF SUPPORT 17

WWF KIDS 19

PANDA BULLETIN TEAM

Editor: Eitan Prince

Editorial team: Jorisna Bonthuys, Megan Craig, Sindiswa Nobula, Sue Ras, Laura Tyrer, Andrea Weiss

Graphic design: Anthea Forlee

Cover photo: Martin Harvey

The Panda Bulletin is printed on Cocoon Offset White, an FSCTM certified 100% recycled paper made from virgin fibre.

Published in December 2014 by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), Cape Town, South Africa. Any reproduction in full or in part must mention the title and credit the above-mentioned publisher as the copyright owner.

© Text 2014 WWF-SA. All rights reserved.

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Panda Bulletin December 2014

Celebrating ‘Powerful Partnerships’ at our 46th Annual General Meeting

Our 46th Annual General Meeting was well supported by our trustees and business network partners.

Mavuso Msimang, a member of WWF South Africa’s board and the current Chair of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, has scooped the Minister’s Award in the second annual Lilizela Tourism Awards.

Bestowing the award to Msimang, Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom said, “This award celebrates the work of an exceptional individual. This is someone who consistently moves the industry closer to achieving its 2020 vision of building a tourism sector that truly transforms the lives of people. Mavuso, the entire country is grateful for your leadership. You will always be an inspiration to those who have worked with you, and to those who will come after you”

The management and staff at WWF South Africa congratulate Mavuso Msimang for this most deserved accolade.

Our 46th Annual General Meeting was held at the Vineyard Hotel in Claremont, Cape Town, on Friday, 14 November 2014. Themed around the idea of Powerful Partnerships, the AGM featured reflections on key areas of work done during the past financial year, including energy, water security and biodiversity stewardship in our Grasslands. It also highlighted the collaborative work that has been critical to successes in each of these areas.

Board members, trustees and business network partners were also treated to

WWF board member honoured with Minister’s Award

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In November we welcomed the addition of three brand new pandas at our WWF offices – Fiat Pandas, that is! These small-engine Fiats, which are fuel efficient and low on emissions, were generously sponsored by Fiat South Africa, and they form part of our fleet of WWF South Africa pool cars. Even our original ‘resident panda’, Chi-Chi (pictured), agrees these are hot wheels!

Fiat SA puts the panda on wheels

an interactive session with our resident rhino experts, Dr Jo Shaw (manager of our national rhino programme) and Dr Joseph Okori (manager of the African Rhino Programme).

Commenting on the year, CEO Dr Morné du Plessis said, “A lot of our work is on-going as reflected in the presentations we’ve been treated to today. I’m happy that WWF is receiving solid support from business, good support from individuals – which is a growing area – and we work very well with government.”

Mavuso Msimang is honoured at the Lilizela Tourism Awards.

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Board members David Lawrence (top left) and Tony Phillips (bottom left), whose respective tenures have come to an end, were thanked for their contributions to WWF. Chair Valli Moosa commended both for service to the board and recognised their contributions to WWF during a period of incredible growth and increasing excellence.

Kudos to outgoing board members

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WWF News

At the end of September, WWF released the 10th edition of our biennial Living Planet Report 2014. The latest report reveals sharp declines in species populations as well as increased demands on natural resources.

According to the report, populations of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles have declined by 52 per cent since 1970. At the same time, our ecological footprint continues its upward climb. Taken together, biodiversity loss and an unsustainable footprint threaten natural systems and human wellbeing, but can also point us toward actions to reverse current trends.

The Living Planet Report tracks over 10 000 vertebrate species populations from 1970 to 2010 through the Living Planet Index – a database maintained by the Zoological Society of London. It also measures humanity’s Ecological Footprint, a measure of humanity’s demands on nature, using a tool provided by the Global Footprint Network.

For a more detailed perspective on the report and its implications, read Dr Morné du Plessis’s insights on page 8.

Living Planet Report highlights significant decline in species

Transparency in the way retailers and suppliers procure seafood is creating strong incentives for positive change in source fisheries and on fish farms.

This is one of the key findings in WWF South Africa’s Retailer/Supplier Participation Scheme Report, launched during National Marine Week (6 – 10 October 2014) at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. “The scheme is not just a guide on the road to sustainable seafood; it’s also a driver of transformation,” said Chris Kastern, WWF-

SA’s manager for seafood market transformation.

This industry participation scheme engages 10 of the country’s major retailers, seafood restaurant franchises and seafood suppliers in the bid to encourage more sustainable practices. The participants are: Breco Seafoods, Fruit & Veg City/Food Lover’s Market, I&J, John Dory’s, La Marina, Ocean Basket,

Pick n Pay, Spar Group, Supapackers Group of Companies and Woolworths.

Read the report: www.wwf.org.za/rsar2014

Sustainable seafood commitments

5 facts to celebrate 10 years of SASSIIt’s been 10 years since the SASSI programme was initiated to help shift the seafood supply chain and buying behaviour amongst seafood-loving consumers. How well do you know your SASSI?

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5 words make up the SASSI acronym – Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative

4 questions we must always ask about our seafood – What is it? Where is it from? How was it caught or farmed? Is it sustainable/on the green list?

3 indicators on the SASSI consumer species list: red = don’t buy orange = think twice green = best choice

2 revisions of the SASSI list since it launched in 2005 – the first was in 2010, and the latest revision to the list will land in early 2015

1 common WWF-SASSI cause – a collaborative initiative that aims to improve the conservation status of over-exploited fish stocks and seafood


WWF Conservation News

South African cities that have entered the latest round of the global Earth Hour City Challenge 2014-15 are demonstrating significant progress in their efforts towards low-carbon development.

The WWF challenge, which is being run for the second time in South Africa, has been taken up by four local metros; City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and City of Cape Town, 2014’s Global Earth Hour Capital. Together, these cities have reported more than 40 new actions on the carbonn Climate Registry (cCR), deepening their reporting to incorporate both low-carbon and climate resilience efforts since last year’s competition.

The internationally recognised reporting platform, which is managed by WWF’s project partner ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), allows participating cities to transparently communicate their commitments and progress towards sustainability. These then form the basis for adjudication of entries competing for the title Global Earth Hour Capital 2015.

In 2014 the City of Cape Town was recognised as the Global Earth Hour Capital.

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SA entries to Earth Hour City Challenge go further, faster towards sustainability

More info: wwf.org.za/ehcc

WWF South Africa has always advocated in favour of renewable energy as a necessity to combating climate change and increasingly expensive fossil-fuel generated electricity. Our research to date has shown that investing in renewable energy, together with energy efficiency in industry, will provide cheaper electricity by 2020 than further investment in coal or nuclear power.

Continuing our work in this space, we have commissioned a series of reports examining the state of renewable energy in South Africa, the ways in which it can be scaled up, with particular emphasis on financing, and how renewable energy has the potential to grow beyond government’s efforts.

Enabling Renewable Energy in South Africa: Assessing the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme outlines the REIPPPP bidding process that has mobilised over R100 billion in renewable energy investment, largely from the private sector in less than three years. The report discusses the key aspects of the bidding process from various stakeholders’ perspectives, highlighting and exploring the significant successes, challenges and developments that have emerged since the inception of the programme.

There’s room for renewables to grow in SA

Renewable energy in South Africa has the potential to grow beyond government’s efforts.

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WWF Conservation News

TACKLING RHINO POACHING FROM THE SOURCE

Unlike conventional conservation messaging that focuses on the plight of endangered animals, this campaign addresses the emotional motivators behind rhino horn consumption.

The key messages of The Power Comes From Our Will campaign – also known as the Chi (“Will”) campaign – are being communicated through a variety of direct engagements and mainstream media channels.

The campaign has been launched against the backdrop of an increasingly dire situation for the world’s rhino species which are under intense pressure from illegal wildlife traffickers tapping into a lucrative Asian market.

In South Africa, which is home to 82% of Africa’s surviving rhino, poaching has skyrocketed from only 13 animals in 2007 to 1004 in 2013. On 20 November 2014, the Department of Environmental Affairs announced that 1 020 rhinos had already been poached in South Africa this year.

The key to the future of our rhinos will ultimately be determined in Asia, not Africa.

It is imperative that we work strategically along the entire illicit supply chain, from rhino to consumer, if we are to hope to win this war,” says Dr Jo Shaw, the manager of WWF-SA’s Rhino Programme.

Three NGOs have collaborated on this work; WWF South Africa, TRAFFIC and PSI – a social marketing group with expertise in behaviour change.

The targets of the Chi campaign are men aged 35 to 50 living in the urban centres of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Among this group there are perceptions that rhino horn is an effective way to rid the body of toxins, that it symbolises good fortune and so enhances business relationships. Research also shows that among this demographic rhino horn is believed to promote success, masculinity and luck as measures of internal strength of will and character.

In countering these perceptions, some of the key messages developed for the campaign are “wise men know the truth; professional

achievements, charisma and good fortune come from what’s within, not from a piece of horn”.

The intention of the campaign is to drive home the message that Viet Nam’s most impressive and charismatic men have created their own good fortune through their internal drive, dedication and talent, and know that a piece of horn is no substitute for the power that lies inside of them. Experience has shown that positive messaging coming from within the target group is the most powerful way to change behaviour.

The campaign is based upon findings from ground-breaking research funded by WWF-SA during which 720 individuals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were interviewed to find out what was driving the demand for rhino horn.

The rise in rhino poaching in South Africa coincides with a rapid rise in purchasing power in Asian economies in the last three decades, with a concomitant trend

On World Rhino Day 2013, WWF South Africa and the wildlife trade monitoring network, TRAFFIC, released ground-breaking consumer research documenting the growing use of rhino horn in Viet Nam. A year later, a new social marketing campaign targeted at persuading urban Vietnamese men they don’t need rhino horn to bolster their self-esteem has been launched.

The Logo: Power Comes From Our WillThe Chi logo is based on the common Vietnamese concept that a person’s internal will is a source of strength, success and power. The logo was purposefully designed without any link to the rhino, consistent with feedback from the target audience that previous campaigns focusing on telling the rhino’s story did not resonate. Dynamic Vietnamese business leaders don’t need a piece of rhino horn to prove they are lucky, strong or wealthy, as their success comes from their will.

The key to the future of our rhinos will ultimately be determined in Asia, not Africa


WWF Feature

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of conspicuous consumption of luxury goods, including rare wildlife products such as rhino horn. Our research found the underlying reason for rhino horn consumption was related to notions of social status along with deeply held beliefs about emotional and health benefits.

Based on the results of this research, the Chi campaign will therefore include the following interventions:

• Identifying and mentoring thought leaders and influencers in the community

• Reaching consumers through a range of communication channels

• Engaging with consumer groups through social marketing and media

• Engaging with the private sector and Viet Nam’s biggest and most influential companies to create a culture of zero tolerance of wildlife consumption

• Linking to other countries where similar activities are taking place

The campaign’s communication materials will be made visible through public installations at high-end stores, golf clubs and other similar venues, in print and online publications, digital media advertisements, credit card and airline mileage statements and radio slots during morning drive time.

The campaign will also target corporate and spiritual leaders and other influential people in society to become Chi campaign ambassadors and encourage workplace interventions (for instance the use of email signatures of the campaign logo).

Once the campaign has been completed, follow-up research will be conducted in Viet Nam to test if local perceptions of rhino horn have shifted.

The CreativeFour images (including these three on the right) were developed to inspire a new social norm that success, masculinity and good luck, in a man’s life, comes from his own will and internal strength, not from a piece of horn. The first is a teaser “Be Aware” followed by three consecutively placed adverts designed around a common theme and tagline: “Masculinity/Spirituality/Business sucess or ‘Character’ comes from within, not from a piece of horn”.


WWF Feature

The over-riding message of the 2014 report, released on 30 September, is dead simple. We cannot continue business as usual without incurring serious costs down the line. One of the most compelling metrics used in the report is the Living Planet Index (LPI) which tracks the trends in a large number of populations of vertebrate species (birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish) in much the same way that a stock market index tracks the value of a set of shares or a retail price index tracks the cost of a basket of consumer goods.

The LPR 2014 includes sequential information of a sample of >10 000 vertebrate populations of >3 000 species across the globe.

In my time with WWF, each report has shown a steady decline. The markedly worse 2014 species populations decline is the result of an adapted diversity-weighted LPI. Scientists at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have now ensured that the bias of poorer-studied taxa is taken into account. In short, the declining trend in the LPI remains regardless of how you view it. In the 2014 LPR, the index shows decline by 52% between 1970 and 2010. In other words, vertebrate species populations are on average half as healthy as they were 40 years ago. Let’s understand this properly. We have not lost half our species, but the monitored sample indicates that the creatures of the planet are steadily losing ground against the pressures of increasing impacts. These impacts include habitat loss, habitat degradation, exploitation, and climate change.

Of particular interest in this year’s study is the role of terrestrial protected areas. The LPI for species populations living inside terrestrial protected areas shows a decline that is half that outside of

protected areas. Thus, it suggests that while formal conservation efforts do have a comparatively positive impact, this impact is still ultimately on the slide due to external influences beyond the fences.

One of the LPI’s biggest attributes is that it is a simple yet powerful way of conveying information about changing trends in biodiversity to decision makers and general public alike. As the major international biodiversity index, with 40 years of data, the LPI is currently the most widely accepted, scientifically peer-reviewed indicator from which to establish trends and indicators of the global status of biodiversity.

While a decline in the LPI focuses on trends of species, it also indicates the ability of ecosystems to maintain ecological functions and services that underpin our very existence. This is akin to one removing bolts from a scaffolding structure until there is no longer sufficient support to hold it all together.

THE PLANET IS IN POOR SHAPE, GETTING WORSE - WE MUST ACT NOWBy Dr Morné du Plessis, Chief Executive Officer, WWF-SA

In my years at the WWF, I have been witness to the delivery of four of our biennial Living Planet Reports (LPR), a comprehensive overview of the state of the planet.

“We have to respond, and we have to respond in a way that replaces reckless abandon with urgent action… as if our own lives depend on it.”

“The biggest fruit – perhaps not low hanging – lies in changing the way in which the world powers itself.”

Social and economic sustainability are only possible with a healthy planet.


WWF Feature

Our personal and economic wellbeing is also closely tied to the health of the environment; that which supports our need for food, energy and water. Over and above this, the environment absorbs our excess, mopping up many of the waste products that we generate. Unfortunately, we are now outstripping the rate at which natural systems can keep up. This leads to an ever-increasing accumulation of waste products, including carbon, in our atmosphere.

So how do we respond?The biggest fruit – perhaps not low hanging – lies in changing the way in which the world powers itself. Almost three quarters of the Earth’s current natural resources would be required solely to absorb the carbon emissions that we generate. On top of that we need a similar amount to supply our basic needs of food, fibre, water, and land on which to live.

Where to start?Begin with the ‘big fruit’ by transitioning from fossil fuels to clean renewable forms of energy. Then, as the saying goes, money makes the world go round. So let us focus on shifting money from where it removes more bolts out of our scaffolding structure (sometimes blindly, sometimes knowingly) to where it strengthens our finite and fragile life-support systems. Let us also check the way in which we consume resources so that we satisfy need as opposed to greed.

And proactively, let us produce things as efficiently as possible without borrowing from the future.

We have to respond, and we have to respond in a way that replaces reckless abandon with urgent action… as if our own lives depend on it.

This opinion piece appeared in Cape Times on 16 October 2014.

According to the Living Planet Report, we need 1.5 planets to meet the demands we make on the planet each year.

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Our food, energy and water needs are intricately connected.

The natural capital upon which our society and prosperity are built is finite, and so we need to use it more wisely and share it more fairly.


WWF Feature

THE KNERSVLAKTE: CROWN JEWELS IN SA’S BOTANICAL TREASURE TROVE

This extensive arid plain known as the Knersvlakte — situated in the heart of the Succulent Karoo — has long been recognised as a priority region for plant conservation. It is home to many minute, delicate and adorable ‘vygies’, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

It has now also been secured thanks to the generosity and foresight of a visionary chartered accountant and plant lover named Leslie Hill. Hill, who passed away in 2003, established a conservation trust during his lifetime to help secure our sensitive arid lands (see opposite page).

Declared in September 2014, the Knersvlakte Nature Reserve is the first Western Cape nature reserve to be proclaimed in the past two decades of the new South Africa. This shows just how long the road is to securing our precious biological beauties and their intricate ecosystems for future generations to appreciate, as well as those who call the land home.

The new 85,500 ha reserve – a vast

“forest” of dwarf succulents - falls within the Succulent Karoo. This biome is an extraordinary exception to the general species paucity of most arid regions, and is one of only two arid regions in the world to earn biodiversity hotspot status.

Calling it home The Griqua community’s cultural heritage is historically very connected to the Knersvlakte, as their culture’s spiritual being is deeply embedded in the barren landscape. Rock art in the area depicts stories of humans and nature interconnected, intricately living with the land. Says Griqua leader Cecil le Fleur, “I hope the new policies of our country will bring people back into conservation spaces, so they can take responsibility for these special places.”

WWF South Africa has been buying land in the Knersvlakte since 1999 and has spent in excess of R20 million to secure the nature reserve’s 85,500 ha.

The new reserve is owned by WWF-SA

through the funding of the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust and is managed by CapeNature with an advisory board consisting of the South African National Biodiversity Initiative (SANBI), CapeNature and local landowners.

The Knersvlakte is indeed one of our special, quiet places to be appreciated, and explored. This is the kind of place where you can get on your hands and knees and marvel at the exquisite intricacies and interconnected systems of nature by tuning into the micro-wonders surrounding you!

You’d be forgiven for not looking twice at the desolate area on the left-hand side of the N7 when driving north from Vanrhynsdorp towards Namibia. About three hours outside of Cape Town, this semi-arid region is largely unappreciated, yet is a microcosm of immense biodiversity.

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of this just under 84,000 km2 area is protected, and considered an international biodiversity hotspot

is the number of plant species in the Knersvlakte, with 190 endemic species, of which 155 are

threatened with extinction.

SIZE OF THE KNERSVLAKTE NATURE RESERVE WHICH IS SITUATED IN THE SUCCULENT KAROO, A DESERT ECOREGION IN SOUTH AFRICA AND NAMIBIA.

1/3 OF THE WORLD’S 10 000 SUCCULENT SPECIES ARE CONTAINED IN THE KNERSVLAKTE

Connect. Expand. Protect.The WWF-SA has facilitated the purchase of more than 400 000 ha of critically important conservation land and contributed to the establishment of 32 protected areas in South Africa through purchase and stewardship agreements. You can help us connect and expand critical landscapes by becoming a WWF supporter or legacy donor. wwf.org.za/donate


WWF Feature

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The making of a legacyIt has been said that no one has contributed more to the conservation of South Africa’s exceptionally rich succulent flora than the late Leslie Hill.

A committed supporter of the conservation of the Succulent Karoo, Hill founded the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust in 1995 to fund vital conservation initiatives in this biome.

People who knew and worked with him expressed of his great appreciation for our special, quiet places like the Knersvlakte and our drylands.

Says Piet van Zyl, a former chair of the trust: “If you Google his name, you won’t find anything. Yet this man (Leslie Hill) shared the same stage with (Nelson) Mandela and (Dr) Anton Rupert by receiving WWF’s Gift to the Earth award (in 1999).”

At the time of his death, Hill also left a bequest to continue conservation work in this globally important region.

Van Zyl, also a chartered accountant by training, met Hill during the 1960’s when he was auditing the books of one of Hill’s businesses. “I had no idea how much he liked succulents at that stage or how our paths would cross later in life.”

Says Van Zyl, “Leslie’s legacy is there for perpetuity. Every hectare of the new Knersvlakte reserve was bought with money he gave to conservation.”

Hill’s contribution to conservation through his trust also played a pivotal role in establishing other reserves and parks across the country. Van Zyl explains, “The heart of the Namaqua National Park, that 40 000 ha that the trust enabled WWF to buy, was for instance also secured thanks to Leslie’s foresight.”

The trust, managed by WWF-SA, has disbursed more than R94 million for the purchase of 224,000 ha of conservation land to date. Over the last decade, it has invested in the creation and expansion of Namaqua National Park, Tanqua Karoo National Park, and the Anysberg and Groenefontein provincial reserves.

Hill, a dedicated collector of plants and art, contributed generously to the education of hundreds of financially disadvantaged backgrounds, through the Leslie Hill Higher Education Trust.

Says Van Zyl. “Although Hill was someone who shunned publicity, future generations will look back on his philanthropy and foresight with gratitude and admiration. His legacy shows the difference that one individual can make.”

Additional information: Veld & Flora (2003)

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WWF Feature

After the success of the South African Climate Solver Awards in 2013-14, WWF-SA is calling for nominations for the next round of the challenge, inviting small and medium enterprises active in the climate innovation space to submit entries by 30 January 2015.

Now in its second year in South Africa, the awards have become a valuable opportunity for small businesses to showcase their innovative technologies that reduce carbon emissions and boost energy access.

Last year’s winners demonstrated the entrepreneurs’ success in delivering the same customer service, but with 80% or more reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The winning companies included Agriprotein Technologies, which produces animal feed from fly larvae to replace fishmeal, SolarTurtle, an off-the-grid solution for rural communities, and Rhino Modified Wood, high-density wood made from South African pine to replace imported hardwoods.

While the latest Global Innovation Index rates South Africa 53rd, up five places from 58th in

2013, the country still scores below average in terms of innovation efficiency. This outcome is attributed to the country’s failure to retain highly productive researchers and innovators.

The Climate Solver platform hopes to support and stimulate innovation while encouraging productive interactions among innovation actors across the corporate and public sector and academia.

Entries to the competition could comprise innovative low-carbon technologies that reduce carbon emissions, as well as sustainable clean energy solutions that enhance energy access.

Companies entering must own the technology, have developed the product to post-pilot stage and have clear business plans for developing and promoting the product. The technology must be currently available to the market and able to deliver carbon emissions reduction about 20 million tonnes per year by 2022 or significantly contribute to improving energy access. wwf.org.za/climatesolver

COULD YOU BE THE NEXT CLIMATE SOLVER?

Clean technology has a key role to play in driving the global transition from a high-fossil-fuel economy to a clean, renewable energy economy. In the interest of uncovering the creative and energetic entrepreneurs working in the field of climate innovation, WWF South Africa has launched the second national round of the organisation’s international Climate Solver Awards competition.

What is cleantech?“Originally thought of as a venture capital investment niche theme, cleantech is growing up – and now permeates all realms of the economy, impacting industries as diverse as ICT, Healthcare, Food, Electronics, Chemicals and Retail. The term has been used interchangeably with ‘resource innovation’, ‘industrial efficiency’, ‘sustainable technology’, but all essentially have the same meaning – doing more with less (e.g. fewer materials, less energy expenditure, reduced water availability), while making money doing so.

For a time, it seemed like cleantech was associated almost exclusively with the energy realm (renewable energy, energy efficiency), but its true and wider meaning is now proliferating, increasingly linked to solving ever more prominent world challenges – such as clean water availability, sustainable food sourcing, land and air pollution, and low carbon transportation.”- The Global Cleantech Innovation Index 2014


WWF FeatureWWF Issue

BEEFING UP SUSTAINABLE CATTLE FARMING IN THE GRASSLANDS

Covering more than a third of our country, Grasslands can appear monotonous at first glance. Yet their levels of biodiversity are second only to fynbos in the Cape Floral Kingdom. Over 4 000 plant species are found in the Grasslands – only one in six being a grass; the rest are bulbous plants such as arum lilies, aloes, watsonias, gladioli and ground orchids. Grasslands are also home to nearly half of South Africa’s endemic mammals and 10 globally threatened bird species; as well as many rural communities who live off the land.

For the Mgundeni community living near Utrecht in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal, they have had a better winter this year than last. With WWF’s support, they accessed a one-year grant in 2013 and have been able to implement a sustainable cattle farming initiative with vastly improved measures for their 500-herd of cattle. This has resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of mortalities during the harsh winter months with only seven cows lost compared to 30 the previous winter.

With about 10 per cent of their 1 472 ha

reclaimed land committed to conservation, the leader of the 300-strong community says that with the grant they have been able to put some basic but vital measures in place. These include installing fencing to keep the livestock together, starting a vaccination programme and improving the herd’s nutrition. Through this sustainable farming initiative an agricultural mentor was appointed to assist in creating an environmentally friendly grazing plan and facilitating access to the commercial market.

In 2009, the Mgundeni community was the first in the country to sign a biodiversity stewardship agreement on communally owned land. They form part of the 21 land reform projects identified by the South African National Biodiversity Institute in the Land Reform and Biodiversity Stewardship Programme of which WWF-SA is a supporting partner. Since then, WWF has also facilitated certified training in invasive weed control and fire management as well as helping to conduct a socio-economic and economic feasibility study of the area.

In an area where mining and agriculture are advancing, it is of great importance to foster partnerships between government, landowners and civil society and develop shared understanding of the natural value of the land, and collectively deliver on biodiversity conservation targets.

To this end, WWF helps local communities to use their land in a sustainable manner that improves both their lives — and their livelihoods — and the state of the natural resources upon which they depend.

The rolling hills of the Grasslands extend in all directions. There is a sense of place amidst this vast rural landscape of the north. In summer when rains fall across the Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal regions, the high-altitude Grasslands are moist and verdant. In winter they fade to a dull dry brown, looking almost lifeless.

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Our Grasslands are home to many rural communities who depend on the land for their livelihoods.

WWF works with local communities, helping them to use their land in a sustainable manner that will improve both their lives and their livelihoods.

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WWF Feature

EXPLORING CAREERS FOR BIODIVERSITYIn collaboration with GreenMatter, WWF South Africa has embarked on a new initiative to enrich career opportunities in biodiversity for university students. The Exploring Careers for Biodiversity initiative is a pilot varsity-based career guidance programme.

WWF’s Environmental Leaders Programme is working with universities around the country to help develop the next generation of leaders for the environment.

It was launched this year on 12 campuses (University of Johannesburg, University of Free State, University of Limpopo, University of the Western Cape, Durban University of Technology, University of Venda, Walter Sisulu University, Tshwane University of Technology, Rhodes University, North West University, Mangosuthu University of Technology and Stellenbosch University). The aim is to support and enable access to biodiversity careers information among higher education students.

Biodiversity has emerged as a key socio-ecological priority and has increasingly been integrated into South Africa’s policy framework. The scope of biodiversity-related careers across multiple sectors has also increased. This is good news for graduates from various disciplinary backgrounds who may have access to a broader scope of careers in this field.

The careers initiative is framed around 23 scarce skills for biodiversity as well as a broader scope of less popular careers. Beyond such traditional careers such as park manager and natural science researcher, the initiative seeks to raise awareness of the full spectrum of career possibilities, such as statistical ecologists, resource economist and environmental engineer, amongst others.

An exciting range of tools is available to students keen to explore the field. The initiative makes available career materials including guidelines, cards, posters, an electronic navigable tool and even a decision making tool. These were packaged in four toolkits developed to support four career initiatives at university campuses. To increase exposure to these opportunities, WWF’s Environmental Leaders Programme has been working with career centres, student clubs, faculties and departments.

Our initiatives include Green Career Guest Lectures, Green Career Lounges, Green Career Open Days and Green Career Excursions will take place next year with three rural universities who do not have easy access to employers and professionals due to their geographical location.

The career toolkits were further distributed to all 23 South African universities and biodiversity career initiatives are being implemented throughout the country. The Exploring Careers for Biodiversity Programme is estimated to have reached over 3000 students through direct contact. The implementation of the career initiatives will extend further into the 2015 academic year.

For more information: http://www.wwf.org.za/what_we_do/environmental_leaders_programme

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The eldest daughter of Nobel Prize winner, Sir George Thomson, Clare was born in Scotland in 1929 and spent part of her childhood in America, separated from the rest of her family due to the tragic death of her mother while the Second World War raged in Europe. She moved to South Africa in 1952 when she married a South African economist, Dr Jan de Villiers Graaff. Before they started a family, she and her husband were keen mountaineers and opened many routes up the high peaks of Africa, Europe and the East. She became a member of the prestigious British Alpine Club after the couple climbed a virgin peak in the Himalayas – Mani – and became the first woman in the world to have climbed so high. This record was only beaten 17 years later when two Japanese women summited Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

Still a keen climber in later years, Clare celebrated her 60th birthday by climbing the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. This triangular mountain is famous for its chocolate-box

beauty and notorious for the number of climbers’ lives it claims every year.

A keen snow skier and dinghy sailor to this day, Clare started cycling in her mid-60s upon the recommendation of an orthopaedic surgeon who had just repaired her knee injured in a running accident. She rides her bike regularly throughout the year with a group of elderly cyclers who call their close-knit group, “The Recyclers”.

Extremely family-minded, she is the mother of six children, grandmother of 16, and great-grandmother of two. She works as a volunteer guide at the National Gallery in Cape Town and is an active trustee serving several NGOs. In 2008, she won the Molteno Award for Distinguished Service to the Visual Arts in acknowledgement of the

decades of work she has done in helping township artists get established.

Clare says that, “as always”, she is both excited and apprehensive about riding the next Cycle Tour. “At my age, I am never sure whether I will manage to finish or not. The heat is a killer for me, so I am hoping for cool windless weather on the day of the race.”

Clare has ridden in 21 Cape Town Cycle Tours, completed 17 in the allotted time (including the 2014 race), and only missed one race in 22 years after she broke her collarbone in a hit-and-run cycling accident.

Not easily deterred, this inspirational 85-year-old believes that “the most important thing is to get out there and try”.

She is proud to be riding in the WWF colours next time. A keen outdoors-woman, she wholeheartedly supports the work of WWF and its mission to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature.

WWF Ride for Nature is proud to welcome Clare Graaff to the Panda Peloton for the 2015 Cape Town Cycle Tour. Clare has been the oldest woman riding in the race for several years. She is also one of the eldest people to finish the race in the allotted time. She will be 85 years old when she rides the 2015 race, flying the flag for WWF.

ACCLAIMED CYCLING VETERAN TO PEDAL FOR THE PLANET

Andrew Baxter, the head of WWF’s Business Development unit, welcomes the highly experienced Clare Graaff to the Panda Peloton.

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“the most important thing is to get out there and try”


WWF FeatureFundraising

WWF South Africa is proud to launch an exciting new initiative — our WWF gift cards, available in selected Pick n Pay stores around the country!

By buying a WWF gift card, you are supporting WWF’s conservation work. Gifting the card to a friend, colleague or loved one shows them you care — not only about them, but also about the Earth.

And because the Earth is for everyone, this is the ideal gift alternative for any person! For your colleague who has everything, for your friend who loves the outdoors, or your child discovering the joy of nature, or simply for someone who would prefer to pay it forward rather than receive a gift for themselves.

The cards are available in two denominations: R250 and R500. wwf.org.za/giftcard

Give the gift of a Living Planet

WWF is proud to launch our new Check Out for Nature initiative, whereby hotel guests are offered the option of adding R10 to their bill as a donation to WWF when checking out.

We commend Holiday Inn Sandton for piloting the project with us, and in so doing taking a forward-looking approach to sustainability.

Checking out for nature is an easy but effective way to make a difference. Guests also have the option of donating more than R10 if they prefer.

WWF offers supporters many ways to get involved and take

action for the environment, and this is another in our suite of support options.

Check Out for Nature

Our online shop is stocked with festive specials on products created with the planet in mind, including great goodies for little pandas.

All of our branded merchandise is produced according to stringent sustainability criteria, so you can shop with the knowledge that

what you’re purchasing is not harmful to our environment.

The proceeds of our shop sales are an injection to our conservation work, so why not tuck in to our wide range of WWF t-shirts, hoodies, toys, mugs, bags and much more! wwf.org.za/shop

Shop for Nature

Summer is on our doorstep, and it’s time for a bit of a splash! WWF South Africa has once again partnered with the successful Bridge House Mile event to offer environmentally conscious swimmers the chance to show their love of nature by swimming in support of WWF.

The Bridge House Mile, presented by Glacier & Skybound Capital, in association with WWF Swim for Nature and The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation will take place on Saturday, 28 February

2015 at the Berg River Dam, Franschhoek.

The day will offer swimming events for all abilities, from development swimmers having a splash, junior and beginner events, to the main Mile swim. Swimmers can choose to Swim for Nature in any one of the event categories.

Swim for Nature

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Fundraising

BECOME PART OF THE FUTUREBusiness Network Partnerships are divided into three tiers (fees payable per annum):

Partner/Silver (R10 000 – R24 999)

Senior Partner/Gold (R25 000 – R74 999)

Principal Partner/Green (R75 000+)

For more information about partnership benefits, contact Puleng Mosholi ([email protected]) or +27 11 447 1213

Use your Voyager Miles to give us wings

Donate your Voyager Miles to WWF South Africa and stand a chance to win a two-night stay for two at Isibindi Africa’s lovely Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge in northern KwaZulu-Natal!Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge (opening in mid-December 2014) is the only private lodge within the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve). Set atop an aloe-clad ridge in a 96,000 ha park, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge enables guests to enjoy four-star luxury at a private lodge within the park for the first time. It offers spectacular scenery and excellent safari opportunities within the heart of Big 5 territory.

The prize includes the following (terms and conditions apply):• Accommodation for two people for two nights• Air tickets for two (national flights only if

required)• Car hire for three days• Meals, teas and coffees• Two safari activities per day• One head-and-neck spa massage per person

Stand to win this fabulous prize just by doing your bit for the planet and donating your Voyager Miles to WWF!

DONATIONS-IN-KIND

Distell (provided wine for WWF’s Annual General Meeting)

Everard Read Gallery - Circa-on-Jellicoe (Hosting donor event)

Massmart (materials for WWF’S Green build)

Bags and batteries for a cause

THANK YOU

WWF South Africa thanks the following sponsors for their support of our 2014 Integrated Annual Report: Italtile Ltd, iVeri Payment Technology, Marais Muller Yekiso Attorneys, Mondi Group Ltd, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Sappi, Sun International, The Thornybush Collection and Vodacom Group.

We look forward to more hotels, lodges, guest houses and other establishments joining us in this very exciting initiative!

DONATING YOUR MILES IS EASY: 1. Log in to your

Voyager account at www.flysaa.com

2. Choose Voyager Shopping and select Donate Miles

3. Under Target Account, select WWF and make your donation

As a Voyager member, you can greatly assist WWF South Africa in working towards its conservation goals by helping us to free up valuable organisational resources to be ploughed directly into environmental work.

Through its partnership with WWF South Africa, the company aims to educate South Africans about the environmental benefits of

using rechargeable batteries. A percentage of Uniross sales go toward supporting our environmental initiatives and conservation work.

Township Patterns has created a range of beautiful

sustainable bags that give back - not only to the environment, but also to the women entrepreneurs who sew them in township

communities outside Cape Town. Businesses can customise the bags with their logos for branded corporate

gifts and events. Ten per cent of the sale of these

bags goes towards WWF South Africa’s conservation work.

To place an order and contribute to positive change, contact Township Patterns at +27 21 534 8558 or [email protected]

Based on international research, Uniross specialises in the production of eco-friendly rechargeable batteries, proven to be better for the environment than ‘single-use’ batteries. In addition to its eco-friendly products, Uniross also maintains a battery recycling programme in conjunction with Pick n Pay.

WWF has forged licencing partnerships with two businesses to bring sustainable stylishness and power to consumers.

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Support

Some rhino facts

Jiya and Kate, Grade 4 students at Redhill School in Sandton, recently surprised us with the wonderful news that they had raised over R12,000 for our conservation work!

They are both animal lovers and avid readers and are very aware and conscious of rhino poaching in South Africa. The girls felt very strongly that they wanted to assist and make a contribution.

They decided to host a combined 10th birthday party and rather than receive presents, the girls asked their friends to contribute towards helping to save our rhinos.

We are thrilled and honoured by their actions, and it is wonderful to see budding environmental activists making a difference and leading the way for others to follow.

Thank you girls - we greatly appreciate your efforts!

Meet Erin Currie, a WWF supporter with a big heart and a deep appreciation for animals. This year Erin chose to sacrifice her birthday gifts in order to give to a positive cause. She asked her friends to give cash instead of gifts and collected these monies to donate to WWF’s rhino conservation work.

Erin’s mother, Jenny (pictured with her here), says she is “humbled and so proud that my beautiful daughter has set such a high standard of giving and unconditional love and happily supports wonderful causes when the norm is to think of oneself.”

Erin, you’re a very special supporter indeed. WWF salutes you and the other ‘young

pandas’ who have supported our work with such energy and enthusiasm!

Young donors show how it’s done!

The black rhino has a pointed lip compared to the white rhino that has a square lip

A new-born baby rhino can weigh up to 40kgs

40kgsBlack rhinos are browsers and help germinate seeds; white rhinos are grazers and help to maintain grasslands.

of Africa’s surviving black and white rhino are in South Africa

82%

Colour (us) iN!

is the number of species of rhino: white, black, greater one-horned, Javan or Sumatran

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WWF-SA is a registered Non-Profit Organisation, number 003-226 NPO. © 1986 panda symbol and ® “WWF” Registered Trademark of WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund), 1st Floor, Bridge House, Boundary Terraces, Mariendahl Lane, Newlands, Cape Town, PO Box 23273, Claremont, 7735, t: +27 21 657 6600, e: [email protected], www.wwf.org.za

Ways to support WWF South Africa

Why we are here

www.wwf.org.za

To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment andto build a future in whic h humans li ve in harmony with natur e.

WWF.ORG.ZA• PANDA BULLETIN •DECEMBER 2014

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MAKE A DONATION

LEAVE A LEGACY

BECOME A BUSINESS NETWORK PARTNER

SHOP WITH WWF

PAYROLL GIVING

BRAND LICENSING

By donating once-off or by a regular debit order, you can support WWF in achieving our important conservation goals

Sign up as a Business Network Partner and benefit from a one-to-one relationship with WWF as you move along your sustainability path

Support our work by purchasing from our wide range of WWF t-shirts, hoodies, toys, mugs, bags and much more

Engaging your staff through payroll giving inspires your most valued resource and creates a culture of participation and giving

Products that meet our sustainability criteria can be co-branded with our logo, with a percentage of proceeds coming to WWF

By leaving a bequest in your will, you leave a living legacy that will have a lasting impact on our planet for generations to come

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